Apparatus for producing microform records from hard copy, cathode ray tube image or transparency data-containing sources

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for producing microform records includes an image-reducing projection system positioned above a hard copy and transparency-receiving imaging station defining a horizontal document plane. An opaque platform is located at the document plane for supporting hard copy and a transparent plate is located at or near the document plane for supporting a transparency. Overhead lamps are provided to direct light downwardly upon the hard copy, and a light source, preferably a cathode ray tube, is provided below this document plane to project light upwardly through the document plane. The cathode ray tube or other light source produces a uniform light field or image-containing light field, the former when a transparency is placed at said document plane, the latter either when a transparency is or is not located at or near said document plane. When an image-containing light field is directed through a transparency at the document station, the microform record produced includes both the image in the image-containing light field and the object of the transparency as an overlay of the same.

Related Application

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.98,388, filed on Nov. 29, 1979, and now abandoned entitled APPARATUS FORPRODUCING MICROFORM RECORDS FROM MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention in one of its preferred forms relates to adry-process apparatus for producing archival microform records fromlight reflecting hard copy, such as apparatus like that disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,966,317 and 4,123,157, but modified so that it can alsoproduce microform records from cathode ray tube face images (hereaftersometimes referred to as CRT images) constituting pages of desired dataor from transparencies, such as medical X-ray transparencies ortransparency overlays to data appearing on such cathode ray tube face.The apparatus disclosed in these patents includes a document stationwith a horizontal, opaque, hard copy-receiving platform, and wherein alight image reflected upwardly from the hard copy on the platform isdirected into an image-reducing projection system which applies theresulting reduced image to a non-archival dry-process mask-forming filmstrip which is very sensitive to the hard copy reflected light. Theimaged portion of the film strip is developed by heat to providemicro-imaged transparencies therein where the light preferably forms adark opaque background for the transparent data forming portion of theimage produced therein. The apparatus also includes an imagetransferring station wherein the micro-imaged transparencies produced inthe mask-forming film strip are transferred by radiant energy above acertain critical value passing therethrough to an initially opaquearchival dry-process microfiche card-forming film which is not verysensitive to hard copy reflected light, but is sensitive to and renderedtransparent without any development operation in those regions thereofstruck by the radiant energy above the certain critical value. The finalimage produced is a negative of the original hard copy image and hasarchival properties. Since only the originally dark data portion of theoriginal hard copy image affected the microfiche card-forming film, thefilm has add-on capabilities. The apparatus disclosed in said U.S. Pat.No. 4,123,157 includes features for enabling a previously partiallyimaged frame of the microfiche card-forming film to be moved into aprojection position where the frame image is projected onto the platformso that an overlay piece of hard copy can be placed on the platform andpositioned thereon to transfer data thereon to still unimaged portionsof the microfiche frame involved.

It was not initially appreciated that the apparatus as disclosed in theaforesaid patents could be effectively used in recording information feddirectly from cathode ray tube images. In the past, microform recordshave sometimes been made from computer data by using a computer datacontrolled laser beam scanning small areas of a recording film toprovide micro-sized characters representing alpha-numeric and otherdata. However, laser beam scanning equipment designed for this purposeis relatively expensive, and because of OSHA restrictions are notpresently useable in business offices and the like. Also, cathode raytube images where the alpha-numeric data is directly formed by thelighted portions of the cathode ray tube screen have been reduced insize and applied to a film to form microform images thereon. Themicroform film used did not have add-on capabilities, and there was noparticular thought given to the possible advantages of providingalpha-numeric data formed by back-lighted portions of the cathode raytube screen which form dark alpha-numeric characters or other data,resembling hard copy images.

In co-pending application Ser. No. 98,388, filed Nov. 29, 1979, there isdisclosed, among other things, a microform recording system having manyfeatures like that disclosed in said patents, and in addition includesmeans for directing a light image, such as a cathode ray tube image,into the same image-reducing projection system as the hard copy lightreflected image is projected. In the most preferred form of thisrecording system, the opaque hard copy-receiving platform is mounted formovement automatically into a hard copy-receiving position below theimage-reducing projection system when a hard copy record set-up controlis operated. Exposure control means specifically designed for producinga properly exposed hard copy image on the dry-process mask-forming filmthen becomes operable to energize light sources directed upon the hardcopy to produce a satisfactory image when a hard copy record control isoperated. In the most preferred form of the recording system disclosedin this application, a cathode ray tube is mounted below the operativeposition of the hard copy-receiving platform, which is moved out of thisoperative position automatically when a CRT record set-up control isoperated so that a cathode ray tube image can be upwardly directed intothe same image-reducing projection system used for making hard copymicroform records. Also, exposure control means specifically designedfor use with the CRT imaging operation becomes operative when the CRTmode of operation of the apparatus is selected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in the microformrecording system disclosed in this copending application in that itprovides separately or in addition to a recording system like thatdisclosed therein means for forming microform records from atransparency, such as X-ray or other image transparency, which suppliesthe sole image to be recorded or an overlay image to another projectedimage like the image on the face of the cathode ray tube.

In accordance with one form of the present invention, an imaging stationof the microform recording system is provided with means for supportingthe transparency involved, and means for directing a light field throughthe transparency and into the image-reducing projection systempreferably used for a hard copy reflected light image. Most preferably,the transparency-supportive means is located at the same location as theimaging station for the hard copy and, to this end, there is provided ator immediately below the document plane for the hard copy a transparentplate over which the transparency involved can be placed by the operatorwhen the opaque hard copy-receiving platform is removed from thedocument plane of the hard copy imaging station. When the image on thetransparency is the sole image to be recorded on the selected frame ofthe microfiche card-forming film referred to, then a uniform light field(i.e. a light field without dark images) is directed through thetransparency into the image-reducing projection system. The image on thetransparency desirably could form an overlay image for an imageprojected through the image plane, such as an image originating on theface of the cathode ray tube referred to. The transparency image may,for example, be the outlines of a business form with spaces for theprojected data from the face of the cathode ray tube directed at theappropriate location of the form involved, or it may be the outlines ofa map through which a cloud pattern of a weather map for the projecteddata from the face of the cathode ray tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the source of thelight field directed through the transparency when only the transparencyimage is to be recorded is a uniform light field on the face of the samecathode ray tube used to produce data images in the above described modeof operation of the invention. However, for best resolution, it isdesirable to use a separate light source for this purpose.

The above described and other features of the invention will becomeapparent upon making reference to the specification to follow and thedrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-contained microform imageproducing unit with an imaging station for receiving hard copy or atransparency placed thereat, and a cabinet containing a cathode ray tubeand an associated image-magnifying system for directing an image on theface of the cathode ray tube upwardly through the imaging station intoan imaging reducing projection system of the self-contained unit;

FIG. 2A is a vertical sectional view through the imaging station of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1 and showing a movable, opaque, hardcopy-receiving platform at the imaging station pivoted into a verticalposition to expose a transparency-receiving plate therebeneath, and thecathode ray tube image-magnifying system directing a light fieldupwardly through a transparency at the imaging station into aimage-reducing projection system in the self-contained unit;

FIG. 2A' is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view throughthe support base of the self-contained unit and cathode raytube-containing cabinet shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates the relationshipof a Fresnel lens, a transparent plate spaced above the lens, atransparency supported on the transparent plate and a ground or frostedglass or synthetic plastic plate supported on top of the transparency toalign the image on the transparency with the image projected from thecathode ray tube;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view through the supportbase of the self-contained unit and cathode ray tube-containing cabinetshown in FIG. 1 to which is added a separate light source and lightprojecting system for directing a uniform light field through thetransparency at the imaging station;

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the imaging station of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2 when a business-forming transparency overlay is positionedthereat;

FIG. 3B is a plan view of the imaging station of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2 when a weather image transparency overlay is positioned thereat;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view through the imaging stationshowing a uniform light field projected through the transparencysupported at the imaging station so that the image on the transparencyis the only image projected by the light field;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view through the imaging stationshowing an image-containing light field projected through thetransparency supported at the imaging station so that the image on thetransparency and the image of the light field are both projected by thelight field;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the Fresnellens is mounted on the cathode ray tube cabinet, with the self-containedunit 10 removed therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram showing how the preferred form of theinvention of FIGS. 1 and 2A records on any selected frame or frames of amicrofiche film card the image on the face of a cathode ray tube, theimage produced by light reflecting off of hard copy, or the image on atransparency;

FIG. 8 shows the location of microfiche film card position sensorsdiagrammatically shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY FORM OF INVENTION

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a self-contained microformimage-producing unit 10 adapted to be mounted upon the top 15a of acathode ray tube containing cabinet 15. The self-contained unit 10includes a housing 11 extending upwardly from a support base 11a whichrests upon the cabinet top 15a. The housing 11 has at one end thereof arasied hood-forming portion 19 spaced above a horizontal white opaqueplatform 17 at a hard copy-supporting imaging station at the top of thesupport base. The platform 17 is mounted upon an insert panel 18 whichis replaceable by another similar panel having an immovable hardcopy-receiving platform when the self-contained unit 10 is to be usedonly as a hard copy microform-producing unit. The hood 19 defines accessopenings 23a, 23b and 23c respectively at the front, rear and one sideof the housing 11 through which openings the operator may pass hard copyor a transparency which is to be placed upon the platform 17. Theplatform 17 preferably forms a co-planar extension of the surroundingupper surfaces 18a of the panel 18 and support base 11a of theself-contained unit 10 so that the hard copy much larger than the sizeof the platform 17 can be easily positioned over the image field definedby the platform 17.

Projection lamps 16 supported upon the inside of hood-forming walls like19a, 19b and 19c direct light down upon the hard copy placed on theplatform 17. The lamps 16 may be fluorescent lamps which may becontrolled in a manner like that disclosed in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No.4,158,253, granted June 19, 1979. The light reflected upward by the hardcopy passes through an image-reducing projection system which maycomprise mirrors 20 and 21 (FIG. 2A) which direct a reduced imagethrough a lens 22 upon a light sensitive film 24, preferably amask-forming film made of dry silver or other material, where thelight-produced image thereon is developed by application of heat. Theapparatus so far described is similar to that disclosed in said U.S.Pat. No. 4,123,157 except that the unit described in said patent did nothave an insert panel 18 or a platform 17 designed to be moved away fromits normal operative position.

The insert panel 18 also carries a horizontal transparenttransparency-supporting plate 17' in an opening 26 thereof through whichplate a light field can be projected upwardly into the image-reducingprojection system through an opening 26' in the cabinet top 15a. Theplatform 17 normally rests upon the transparent plate 17' which fillsthe entire opening 26 and thus forms also a dust shield for preventingdust from dropping into the opening 26. The dimensions of opening 26 andthe platform 17 and transparent plate 17' encompasses an area aboutequal to the largest area of hard copy which can be accommodated by themicroform image-producing apparatus. As illustrated, the opaque platform17 is mounted for pivotal movement from a horizontal position in theopening 26 to a vertical position where it passes into an opening 31a ofa cowling 31 and engages a wall 31b thereof. The wall 31b has a magnet31c which holds the platform 17 securely in a vertical position andcarries a switch 31d which is operated into a position which permits acathode ray tube or transparency imaging operation when the platform israised into its neutral position. The platform 17 may be provided with aflexible tab 17b on its normally top surface thereof which can begrasped to lift the platform 17 from its horizontal position within theopening 26.

Referring now most particularly to FIG. 2A, a cathode ray tube 25 ismounted below the cabinet top 15a. While the cathode ray tube 25 couldbe mounted immediately below the opening 26 in the insert panel 18,which would require that the cathode ray tube be of a size similar tothe opening 26, it is most advantageous to utilize a much smallercathode ray tube positioned in the cabinet 15 remote from the opening26. (This feature of the apparatus is a sole invention of GeraldMarshall.) To this end, the cathode ray tube face 25a is shown directedhorizontally into an image-magnifying and projection system including amagnifying lens unit 28 opposite the cathode ray tube face 25a, andinclined mirror 28' and a Fresnel lens unit 28" mounted on the topsurface 15a of the cabinet 15. This projection system focuses the imageon the face of the cathode ray tube 25 in a document or object planedefined by the top surface of the platform 17 when it is in a horizontalposition. The Fresnel lens unit 28" serves the purpose of converging thelight rays projecting through the same so that a converging beam isdirected to the mirror 20 shown in FIG. 2A.

Electrical connection between the cathode ray tube 25 and controlcircuitry within the self-contained unit 10 is directly or indirectlymade through a connecting cable 27 or the like which extends between thecabinet 15 and the self-contained unit 10 (FIG. 1).

When it is desired to provide a microform image of hard copy, theplatform 17 is dropped into its horizontal position within the opening26 and hard copy is placed over this platform 17 wherein, upon operationof suitable manual controls to be described, the lamps 16 are energizedmomentarily to direct light upon the hard copy at the imaging station.When it is desired to record an image on the face of the cathode raytube 25, the platform 17 is raised into the vertical position shown inFIG. 2A to expose the transparent plate 17' where, upon operation ofmanual controls to be described, an image appears on the face of acathode ray tube 25 which is projected through the image-magnifying andprojection system in the cabinet 15 into the image-reducing projectionsystem in the self-contained unit 10. When an image on a transparency 29is to be recorded, the transparency is placed on the transparent plate17' in the opening 26. Where the image on the transparency 29 to berecorded is to be superimposed on the image projected from the cathoderay tube, a precise positioning of the transparency is required. This isaccomplished in a manner shown in FIG. 2A' by placing on thetransparency 29 a ground or frosted plate 17a whose outer surface 17a'is flush with the panel surface 18a that is in the document plane. Theplate 17a acts as an image projection screen on which appears thesuperimposed image of the transparency 29 and the image projected fromthe cathode ray tube 25 which can be exactly focused thereon byadjusting the position of lens 28. Image-alignment can be achieved byshifting the transparency or cathode ray tube.

FIG. 3A shows a business form transparency 29A placed in the panelopening 26 upon the transparent plate 17', the transparency havingspaces which will be filled in by the data projected through thetransparency 29A from the cathode ray tube. FIG. 3B shows a transparency29B having the outlines of geographical features like state lines whichare to overlay an image projected from the face of the cathode ray tube25, which may be a cloud pattern obtained from a satellite picture ofthe area involved. In these examples, the transparency 29 is illuminatedby an image-containing light field, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5.

On the other hand, when it is desired to form a microform record of onlythe image on the transparency 29, the light field projected through thetransparency plate will be a homogeneous light field, as shown in FIG.4. Such a light field may be a homogeneous light field provided on theface of the cathode ray tube 25, as is the case in the form of theinvention shown in FIG. 2A, or it may be a homogeneous light fieldproduced by a separate light source and associated projection means tobe described in connection with FIG. 2B to be described.

The Fresnel lens unit 28", a well-known type of lens element, is shownin FIG. 2A' and in FIG. 6. It is a transparent plate of even thicknesswhich has a series of concentric sawtooth grooves thereon which convertthe transparent plate into a lens. This lens unit 28" is positioned sothat it will converge the light rays passing upwardly therethrough andfocused in the document or image plane, which is the plane of the topsurface of the platform 17 when the platform 17 is in its loweredposition. The Fresnel lens unit 28" may be anchored in place on thecabinet top 15a in any suitable way. However, as illustrated, theFresnel lens unit 28" sits on annular shoulders 33a of three dowels 33which are spaced equally about the opening 26' in the cabinet top 15a.Each of the dowels 33 has a large cylindrical main body portion 22bdefining an annular shoulder 33a, a downwardly extending cylindricalbottom end portion 33c rotatably mounted within an opening in thecabinet top 15a, and a cylindrical upper end portion 33d which isslightly eccentric with respect to the axis of the cylindrical bottomend portion 33c. When the Fresnel lens unit 28" is placed upon theannular shoulders 33a of the three dowels 33, the outer margin of thelens unit 28" will be close to the cylindrical upper end portions 33d.The lens unit 28" is then secured in place by rotating each of thedowels 33 a small amount so that the cylindrical upper end portions 33dof these dowels will tightly engage and clamp the lens unit 28" inplace.

The advantage of using a relatively small cathode ray tube and anassociated image magnifying and projection system including the lensunits 28 and 28" rather than utilizing a large cathode ray tubepositioned immediately below the opening 26 as disclosed in saidco-pending application is that this makes possible the use of precisefocusing of the image on the face of the cathode ray tube in thedocument plane and it provides a light field of a given intensity inthis document plane at a much lower cost.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, where it is desired to record images ofmedical X-rays and other images requiring a high resolution, the form ofthe invention in FIG. 2B is of particular importance. Here, instead ofproducing a homogeneous light field from the cathode ray tube 25, thisfield is produced by a high intensity bulb, like a flashlight bulb 25A,mounted in front of a thin highly transparent plate 25B which ispositioned to be in the path of the diverging light rays during thecathode ray tube imaging mode of operation of the recording system. Theglass plate 25B, because of the high intensity small light source of thebulb 25A reflects a less intense but still substantially intense lightimage into the Fresnel lens unit 28". The lens unit 28 and the highintensity lamp 25a are located at conjugate points relative to theFresnel lens unit 28".

The self-contained microform image-producing unit 10 is provided with acontrol panel 32 (FIG. 1) having various manually operable controls likethose to be described in connection with the functional block diagram ofFIG. 7. This control panel may include, for example, microfiche frameidentifying keys which, when depressed, will effect movement of aselected frame of a microfiche film card upon which the ultimate imageis to be formed into position for receiving an image. Also, it may havetransparency, CRT and hard copy mode set-up keys and transparency, CRTand hard copy record keys respectively for setting up the recordingsystem and effecting the recording of transparency, CRT or hard copyimages on a microfiche film card. Also, the keyboard may contain add-ondata controls to provide a projection on the platform of a selectedimaged frame of the microfiche card involved so that a hard copy overlaymay be placed on the platform 17 and the still unimaged portion of themicrofiche card frame involved can be imaged from the hard copy overlay.Such add-on data controls are shown in said U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,157.

While the control circuit details of the exemplary preferred form of theinvention being described can vary widely, it may have the circuit logicand other details shown in FIG. 7, to which reference should now bemade. FIG. 7 shows the invention applied to an apparatus for producingmicroform records similar in many respects to that shown in said U.S.Pat. No. 4,123,157. Accordingly, such apparatus which is containedwithin the housing 11 includes, in addition to the mirrors 20-21 andlens 22, a masking film cassette and carriage assembly generallyindicated by reference numeral 39. The assembly 39 includes a cassette24' which may be identical to that disclosed in the latter patent, andso includes a supply and a motor-driven take-up reel for holding andpositioning a roll of dry silver mask-forming film, which isperiodically advanced in step-by-step fashion to an imaging positionwithin the cassette. Also, the cassette carries a hold-down plunger anda heat developing plunger which are respectively brought down insuccession upon the portion of the mask-forming film in position topress the same into a fixed plane as described in the latter patent, tocarry out exposure and developing operations to produce a transparencyfor each image projected thereon. The hold-down plunger, heat developingplunger and mask-forming film supply and take up reels are respectivelydiagrammatically indicated by reference numerals 52, 54 and 56respectively extending to the dotted box shown in the interior of thecassette shown in FIG. 7. The control means therefor respectively arediagrammatically illustrated in box form in FIG. 7 outside of thecassette (while they are obviously within the same) and identifiedrespectively by reference numerals 52', 54' and 56'. When these controlmeans receive operating control voltages on control lines identified byreference characters B, A and C respectively, the hold-down plunger willbe depressed momentarily for a period equal to the largest expectedexposure time, the heat developing plunger will be depressed for aproper period for developing the film and the motor controlling thepositioning of the mask-forming film will advance the film an incrementto bring a new area of the film into an imaging position.

The mask-forming film cassette and carriage assembly 39 is guided formovement upon one or more guide rods 40. The assembly 39 is initiallypositioned as shown in FIG. 7 opposite a film imaging and developingstation 41. The assembly 39 may be spring urged into this position byspring return means 51. The assembly is moved against the return forceof this spring return means by, for example, a pulley drive systemincluding a chain or cord 42 connected to the assembly 39 and extendingaround pulley wheels 44 and 46. The pulley wheel 46 is driven by a motor48 controlled by a motor control circuit 48' which becomes energizedwhen an input line D thereof receives a start pulse and becomesde-energized when an input line 48a' thereof receives an "off" voltagegenerated by a limit switch 51 operated when the cassette 24' is movedto an image transfer station 43. The input line 48a' is also connectedto a carriage latch input line 53a' extending to an "on" terminal of acarriage latch means 53 which latches the assembly 39 into position whenit strikes the limit switch 51. When the cassette 24' is oppositetransfer station 43 the image previously formed on the mask-forming filmis transferred to the proper frame of a microfiche film card 42a' shownin FIG. 8 supported on a carriage 45. The carriage latch means 53becomes de-energized to release the assembly 39 so it can return underthe force of the spring return means 51 to the imaging and developingstation 41 when the carriage latch means 53 receives an "off" pulse onan input line G. The position of the microfilm card carriage 45 iscontrolled by a carriage position control circuit 45' which receivessignals from signal sources to be described. Mounted beneath themicrofiche film card carriage 45 is a plunger 62 controlled by asolenoid 62' which, when energized momentarily, will bring the plunger62 against the selected frame of the microfiche film card in positionfor imaging to press the same against the mask-forming film, in turn,braced by a suitable backing as described in said latter patent. Whenthe plunger 62 is thus positioned, flash control circuit 58' willoperate a xenon flash unit 58 or the like to provide a flash of light totransfer the image on the mask-forming film 24 to the frame of themicrofiche film card on the carriage 45 in position for imaging.

There is at the image and developing station 41 a start position sensor66 which is operated when the cassette 24' is opposite the imaging anddeveloping station 41. At the image transfer station 43 there isprovided an end of row sensor 70 which generates a control signal whenthe carriage 45 positions the microfiche film card so that the lastframe in any row of frames thereof is in position for imaging, and anend of card sensor 72 which generates a control signal when the carriage45 positions the microfiche film card so that the last frame of the lastrow of frames thereof is in position for imaging (see FIG. 8). An outputline 72a of the end of card sensor 72 operates an indicator 72' toindicate to the operator that a new microfiche film card should beplaced upon the carriage.

As previously indicated, the microform image-producing apparatus shownforms microform images on various frames of the microfiche film cardfrom either hard copy placed upon platform 17, from an image produced onthe face 25a of the cathode ray tube 25, and/or from a transparency 29placed on the transparent plate 17'. The means for feeding imagessequentially to a cathode ray tube from various data sources is wellknow in the art, (although the prior art has not incorporated the sameinto a microform imaging system as shown and described). These datasources feed this information one data page at a time eitherautomatically or under manual control. The keyboard 30 may contain datasource selection control keys 73 for manual selection of a data source,many of which are shown connected to switch means 73'. Control lines 73aare shown extending to a microprocessor control means 79, in turn,connected by control lines 73b to the switch means 73'. A selected datasource feeds data to be converted into alpha-numeric or picture or curveproducing form first to an input data readout storage means 74. The datastorage means 74, in turn, is connected to cathode ray tube beamdeflection control means 75 and image-producing intensity control means76 which respectively control the position and intensity of an electronbeam directed toward the screen on the face of the cathode ray tube 25.Suffice it to say, the deflection control means 75 and intensity controlmeans 76 have output lines 75b and 76b upon which the proper deflectionand intensity control signals appear, when no inhibiting signals are fedthereto. (Only intensity control means 76 is shown with an inhibit inputterminal 76a.) The output line 76b of the intensity control means isshown coupled to an input terminal 84a of an "AND" gate 84 whose outputline 84c connects to the terminal 25a of the cathode ray tube basecontrolling beam intensity. The rapidly changing signals on the outputline 76b can pass through the "AND" gate 84 only when enable signalsappear on the other input terminal 84b thereof. The connections to theseother input terminals will be hereinafter described.

The signals generated by the image-producing intensity control means inconjunction with the signals generated by the deflection control means75 produces the image-containing light field which is recorded on aframe of the microfiche card-forming film whether or not a transparency29 is positioned on the transparent plate 17'. However, as previouslyindicated, when it is desired to record only an image on a transparencyplaced on the transparent plate 17', in accordance with the form of theinvention shown in FIG. 2A, a homogeneous light field is generated onthe face of the cathode ray tube 25. To this end, an intensity controlmeans 76' is provided which, as illustrated in FIG. 7, is an "AND" gate76' having an input terminal 76a' to which is connected a continuoussource of voltage, an input 76b' extending to the control means 79 sothat an enable signal appears on this terminal when a transparency-onlyset-up record key 87 is operated, and an input terminal 76c' whichreceives an enable signal for a period depending upon the exposurerequirements of the film as determined by the intensity of the lightproduced on the face of the cathode ray tube 25. The "AND" gate 76' hasan output terminal 76d' connected to the intensity control terminal 25aof the cathode ray tube terminal 76c' receives an enable signal whentransparency-only record key 89 is operated when platform 17 is raised.

The transparency-only set-up key 87 is shown connected to the controlmeans 79 through a control line 87a so that the control means 79 willgenerate on a control line 87b extending to the input terminal 76b' of"AND" gate 76' an enable signal which enables the beam-on producingsignal on input terminal 76a' to be fed to the cathode ray tube terminal25a for the length of time during which the cathode ray tube face is tobe struck by the cathode ray tube beam. When the transparency-onlyset-up key 87 is operated, the signal on the control line 87a will alsoeffect the generation by the control means 79 of an inhibit signal on aline 78 coupled through the rectifier 78' to the inhibit input signal76a of the image-producing intensity control means 76 and the inhibitinput of the data input storage means 74 so that no image-producingsignal will be fed to the CRT during a transparency-only mode ofoperation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7. Operation of thetransparency-only record key 89 with platform 17 raised feeds a controlsignal on a control line 89a extending to the control means 79 whichwill effect the generation of a beam turn-on control signal in a line97a extending to the input terminal 76c' of "AND" gate 76' in a mannerto be described.

When the microfiche frame identifying keys 86 are depressed, or whenmicrofiche frame address signal are generated by data storage means 74,groups of control lines collectively identified by 86a or 74a extendingto control means 79 effect the generation of control signals on controllines 86b and 86c respectively extending to the set inputs of frame androw counters 96 and 98, which cause entry therein of the microfiche filmcard frame and row identifying indicia of the keys depressed. However,first signals fed from the control means 79 on control line 86b' resetthe frame and row counters by the connection of reset line 86b' to thereset inputs of these counters. The frame and row counters 96 and 98 arerespectively connected to the X and Y inputs of the carriage positioncontrol circuit 45' which effects the movement of the microfiche cardcarriage 45 into a position to bring the selected frame into imagetransferring position below the flash unit 58 when the circuit 45'receives a signal from a D input line. The frame counter 96 has anadvance input terminal 96a to which extends line 58a connected to theoutput of the flash control circuit 58', so that the frame number storedin the frame counter increases by one digit automatically each time anew image is recorded on the microfiche film card 45a'. The framecounter resets to number 1 when the last frame in any row receives animage thereon.

Similarly, the row counter 98 has an advance input terminal 98a to whichextends a control line 70a connected to the end of row sensor 70.Accordingly, each time the last frame in a row is imaged, the end of therow sensor 70 will be operated to advance the indicia in the row counterone row position, so that the next recording operation will take placein the first frame of the next row, unless a different frame number isset-up by the microfiche frame identifying keys 86.

When the CRT record mode set-up key 88 is operated, a control line 88aextending to the control means 79 effects the generation of an enablesignal on a control line 88c extending to the input terminal 95b of a"AND" gate 95 having another input terminal 95c connected to output line99a of a light intensity sensor 99, which senses the background lightintensity of the image directed upon the mirror 21. The "AND" gate 95also has an input terminal 95a connected to an input line B whichreceives a control signal at the appropriate time to effect the transferof the signal generated by the light intensity sensor 99 to an inputterminal of a CRT on-time control circuit 97 which generates a pulsehaving a width inversely proportional to the intensity of the lightreceived by the light intensity sensor 99. The control pulse appears onan output line 97a of on-time control circuit 97 which line is connectedto the input terminal 84b of the "AND" gate 84 the other input of whichis coupled to the image control means 76, so that the intensity controlterminal of the cathode ray tube 25 will receive sequences of theimage-forming signals for a sufficient time period to provide the properexposure of the mask-forming film 24. (Instead of using the output ofcontrol circuit 97 to control the length of time the data page image ispresent on the screen of the cathode ray tube, this output can controlinstead the temperature of the down time of the heat plunger to controlthe developing conditions of the mask-forming film.) The output line 97aof on-time control circuit 97 is also coupled to the input terminal of"AND" gate 76' to control the time the homogeneous light field producedby the cathode ray tube 25 during a transparency-only record mode ofoperation of the recording system being described.

The output line 99a of light intensity sensor 99 is also connected to aninput terminal 103a of an "AND" gate 100 whose output line extends to alamp exposure control circuit 102 which generates a pulse having a widthinversely proportional to the intensity of the light detected by thelight intensity sensor 99. However, the width of the pulse produced bythe lamp exposure control circuit 102 will generally be different fromthe width of the pulse generated by the CRT on time control circuit 97for a given light intensity striking the light intensity sensor 99becase these pulses control different light producing sources, namelythe lamps 16 and the light on the face of cathode ray tube 25.Accordingly, when the hard copy mode set-up key 90 is operated, thecontrol line 90a extending from the key 90 to the control means 79 willresult in the generation of an enable signal on a control line 90dextending to the input terminal 100b of the "AND" gate 100 which permitsthe opening thereof by a timing signal on input line B which controlsthe on-time of the lamps 16. (However, instead of using the output oflamp exposure control circuit 102 to control the on-time of lamp 18 thelamps can be turned on for a fixed period and this output can insteadcontrol the temperature as down time of the heat plunger to control thedeveloping condition of the mask-forming film.)

However, as illustrated, the voltage sources for the lamps 16 include astandby voltage source 105 which provides only a low degree ofenergization of the lamps 16, so that no appreciable visible light isproduced thereby, and a fully-on voltage source 108 which produces avoltage which will fully energize the lamps 16. The output voltages ofthe voltage sources 105 and 108 respectively are connected by lines 105aand 108a to input terminals 103b and 104c of "AND" gates 103 and 104,respectively. When the hard copy record mode set-up key 90 is depressed,enable signals appear on control lines 90c and 90e respectivelyextending to input terminals of "AND" gates 103 and 104 to enable thesame to pass the voltages fed thereto from the respective voltagesources 105 and 108. Isolating rectifiers 107 and 109 respectively areconnected between the outputs of the "AND" gates 103 and 104 and acommon line 18a extending to the lamps 16.

In the preferred form of the invention, the image-producing light fieldproduced on the cathode ray tube face comprises backlighted areassurrounding dark data indicating areas so that the cathode ray tubeimage appears like a hard copy image. This permits the use of the samelight intensity sensor 99 located to interrupt a corner portion of theimage field which will always be a lighted portion. Also, such a cathoderay tube image permits data to be added onto the image produced on themicrofiche card-forming film because the backlighted portion of thecathode ray tube image produces no modification of the originally opaqueportion of this film. Also, it was unexpectedly found that the exposuretime needed for a given light intensity on the screen of a cathode raytube is substantially less when the alpha-numeric or other data thereonare dark rather than lighted portions thereof. It is believed that thisis due to the fact that the application of a narrow intensity turn-onvoltage pulse to the intensity control terminal of a cathode ray tube toproduce the small lighted areas does not have an instantaneous effect inbringing up the light intensity to a given desired value, and so thelight intensity produced thereby gradually increases with time and sothere is produced a much lower average light intensity than thatproduced by consistant voltage signals producing backlighted areas onthe cathode ray tube screen. Also, if an attempt is made to increase theaverage intensity of small lighted data forming areas on the screen, theresolution of the image produced is adversely affected.

It is apparent that the logic of the circuit shown in FIG. 7 willprepare the recording system shown for a proper exposure of themask-forming film 24 whether CRT, transparency-only or hard copy imagingmode of operation is demanded by operation of the proper set-up andrecord keys.

When the hard copy record mode set-up key 90 is operated, a continuousinhibit signal appears on line 87b extending to the "AND" gate 76' andon line 78 connected through an isolating diode 78' to the inhibit inputterminals 74a and 76a of the buffer storage means 74 and image-producingintensity control means 76, until the CRT record start key 94 ortransparency-only record key 89 is operated, so that no beamintensity-on signals are fed to the cathode ray tube 25 until the key 94or 89 is operated and the masking film cassette 24' is at the imagingand developing station 41. Operation of the CRT record start key 94 ortransparency-only record key 89 will not result in any recordingoperation unless the platform-operated switch 31d is operated by theraising of platform 17. To this end, the switch 31d is shown connectedto control means 79 which inhibits any action of keys 89 or 94 unlessthe switch 31d is so operated.

When the CRT record start key 94 is depressed, the signal appearing on aline 94a extending from this key to the control means 79, as previouslyexplained, results in the removal of an inhibit signal from inhibit line78 so that computer stored data to be recorded on microfiche film card42a' will be fed via a line 93 extending from the output of the computerdata readout buffer storage means 74 and connected to the input terminal111a of an "AND" gate 111, to provide a cycle start signal each timedata for a new image on the face of cathode ray tube 25 is to beproduced.

When the hard copy record key 92 is depressed, the signal appearing onthe control line 92a extending to control means 79 initiates an enablesignal on a control line 92b extending from the control means 79 to theinput terminal 111a of "AND" gate 111. When the transparency-only recordkey 89 is operated, the control means 79 also generates an enable signalon control line 92b. The "AND" gate 111 has a second input terminal 111bwhich is connected by line 113 to the start position sensor 66 whichproduces an enable signal for "AND" gate 111 when the masking filmcassette is positioned at the imaging and developing station 41, and aninhibit signal at all other times coupled through insulating diode 113'to the inhibit input terminals 74a and 76a of the buffer storage means74, deflection control means 75 and intensity control means 76. It isthus apparent that the "AND" gate 111 will supply an output when themasking film cassette is in a proper position and either the hard copyor transparency-only record key 92 or 89, or the CRT record start key 94has been previously depressed and there is data in buffer storage means74 to be recorded. The appearance of a signal at the output of "AND"gate 111 then is fed to the input 108a of an imaging cycle control means115 which, when triggered into operation by a signal at input terminal108a, results in the sequential appearance of control signals atappropriate times at the various output lines A, B, C, D, E, F and Gleading to various parts of the circuit shown in FIG. 7.

The imaging cycle control means 115 may be any suitable timing unitwhich generates various control pulses on said output lines A-G, thealphabetic characters indicating the relative time the various controlsignals are initiated. Thus, first the image cycle control means 115generates a control pulse on its output line A which extends to the maskfilm strip feed control means 54' to advance the mask-forming film sothat an unimaged frame thereof is positioned for imaging. Next, thecontrol means 115 generates a control signal on its output line B whichline extends to the hold-down plunger control means 52' and the inputterminals 95a and 100c controlling the feeding of the output of lightintensity sensor 99 to lamp and CRT exposure control means 97 and 102.The control means 97 and 102 may be operable slightly after theinitiation of the control signal on output line B, so that movement ofthe hold-down plunger against the mask-forming film 24 will be completedbefore exposure of the film is initiated. These control signals willlast for the period necessary to complete the longest anticipatedexposure.

Next, the image cycle control means 115 generates a control pulse onoutput line C which extends to the heat plunger control means 56' whichmoves a heated plunger against the exposure frame of the mask-formingfilm to develop the same. The image cycle control means 115 thengenerates a control pulse on output line D extending to the motorcontrol circuit 48' which pulse initiates the energization of motor 48,and to the carriage position control circuit 45' which then positionsthe microfiche card carriage 45 in accordance with the input signals fedto the "X" and "Y" inputs of the control circuit 45'. Next, the imagecycle control means 115 generates a control pulse on output line Eextending to the plunger selonoid 62' which move plunger 62 against theframe of the microfiche film card 45a' in position for imaging at theimage transfer station 43. Manifestly, the control pulse on output lineE is not initiated until the microfiche film cassette 24' has reachedthe limit switch 51 at the image transfer station 43 and the microfichecard carriage 45 has positioned the selected microfiche card frame in animaging position.

Next, the image cycle control means 115 generates a pulse on its outputline F which extends to the flash control circuit 58' to initiateenergization of the flash unit 59 which then images the frame of themicrofiche film card in position for imaging through the previouslyimaged frame of the mask-forming film 24. The image cycle control means115 then generates a carriage return pulse on output line G which isshown extending to the carriage position control circuit 45' to releasethe carriage to return to its initial or home position as in the case ofthe carriage positioning means in said U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,157. Theoutput line G also extends to the "off" terminal of the carriage latchmeans 53 so that the carriage latch is released over the spring returnmeans 51 can return the microfilm cassette and carriage assembly 39 to aposition where the cassette is adjacent to the start position sensor 66at the image and developing station 41. When the cassette 24' isopposite the start position sensor 66, an associated indicator 66'becomes energized to indicate that a new imaging operation may takeplace.

While not shown in FIG. 7, as previously indicated, the apparatus of thepresent invention most advantageously carries out additional functionsalso performed by the apparatus disclosed in said U.S. Pat. No.4,123,157 to enable the user to add information on unimaged portions ofa partially imaged frame of the microfiche card-forming film 45a'. Thus,the keyboard 32 will include additional controls for effecting such anadd-on operation which requires that the microfiche card carriage bemoved into a position where a projection lamp will project a selectedframe of the microfiche card-forming film onto the platform 17 so that aoverlay sheet of hard copy can be positioned upon still unimagedportions of the selected frame. Then, an imaging operation of thisoverlay sheet is effected in the manner described to transfer data onthe overlay sheet of hard copy onto a previously unimaged portion of themask-forming film and then to transfer this image onto the microfichecard frame involved. As previously indicated, to effect this add-oncapability from data images originally made from cathode ray tube 25must be formed by dark backlighted areas thereof duplicating theappearance of hard copy. While hard copy-duplicating images may havebeen previously displayed on the screens of cathode ray tubes, it is notbelieved that such images have been used in the formation of microformimages or for the purpose of giving a microform recording system anadd-on capability. It should be noted that because a microfilm like drysilver film is affected by the background lighted portions of the hardcopy image, there can be no data added thereto once it is imaged.

It is thus apparent that applicants have provided the highly unique andadvantageous microform recording apparatus for various types of datasources, such as hard copy, cathode ray tube image and transparencysources. In the case of the transparency, for example, the transparencycould be x-ray films or other image sources which are to be recorded bythemselves on a selected frame of the microform film involved. In thecase where the transparencies are overlays to an image, for example,projected from the face of a cathode ray tube, such transparencies maybe business forms, maps, and the like upon which other images are to beprojected in the recording operation.

It should be understood that numerous modifications may be made in themost preferred form of the invention without deviating from the broaderaspects thereof. For example, while the use of a non-archivalmask-forming film like dry silver is most advantageously used to formthe image produced by the projection system and this image is thentransferred to an add-on dry process archival film like the dispersionfilm disclosed in said U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,966,317 and 4,123,157, thereduced projected image may be transferred directly to the ultimatemicrofilm to be used as the permanent final microfilm recording medium.Additionally, while the cathode ray tube is the most preferred source ofan image-containing light field as described, other light sources whichproject images can be utilized instead as the sources of such lightfields.

I claim:
 1. In an apparatus for producing microform records from lightreflecting hard copy wherein a light image reflected from the hard copyis reduced to micro-image size and applied at a film imaging station tofilm means which is photosensitive to an image by the light reflectinghard copy, said apparatus including a hard copy-supporting stationincluding a generally horizontal, opaque, hard copy-supporting platform,lighting means mounted above said platform which lighting means is to beenergized when a record of a piece of hard copy placed on said platformis to be made, an image-receiving and projecting means for receivinghard copy reflected light from a piece of hard copy placed on saidplatform and for providing a micro-image thereof directed upon said filmmeans, the improvement wherein said platform is mounted for movementbetween an operative horizontal position at said supporting station anda position removed therefrom, a transparent plate provided at saidsupporting station exposed when said platform is removed therefrom forplacement of a transparency thereon, and light field producing means forprojecting upwardly through said transparent plate and into saidimage-receiving means selectively a uniform light field where the imageon the transparency is to be the only image to be recorded on said filmmeans or an image-containing light field where the image on saidtransparency is to be superimposed upon the image of saidimage-containing light field.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidimage-receiving and projecting means is located above said hardcopy-supporting station and said light field producing means is locatedbelow the same for projecting said light fields upwardly through saidtransparent plate and into said image-receiving means thereabove.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein said platform in its operative position islocated above said transparent plate.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3wherein said platform is pivotally mounted for movement between saidhorizontal operative position and a vertical position above saidtransparent plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transparentplate is located below the top of a recess normally covered by saidplatform in the operative position thereof, and wherein movement of saidplatform exposes said transparent plate and exposes the defining wallsof said recess within which said transparency may then be placed.
 6. Inan apparatus for producing microform records from light reflecting hardcopy wherein a light image reflected from the hard copy is reduced tomicro-image size and applied at a film imaging station to film meanswhich is photosensitive to an image by the light reflecting hard copy,said apparatus including a hard copy-supporting station including anopaque hard copy-supporting platform and image-reducing projection meansfor directing upon said film means a micro-image of the light reflectedimage from hard copy placed on said platform, the improvement whereinthere is provided a transparency supporting station includingtransparency-supporting means and means for directing through atransparency on said supporting means and into said projection means alight field which projects the image on said transparency upon said filmmeans, said light field directing means being a cathode ray tube, andmeans for energizing said cathode ray tube to provide a light field onthe screen thereof which is projected through saidtransparency-supporting means into said projection system.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein said energizing means produces a uniformlight field on the screen of said cathode ray tube.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein said energizing means produces a light field on thescreen of said cathode ray tube which forms a page of data to berecorded on said film means.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein thereis provided at said transparency supporting station an image-producingtransparency forming an image overlay superimposed on the imageprojected from said cathode ray tube screen into said film means by saidimage-reducing projection system.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinsaid hard copy-receiving platform is movable into and out of a hard copysupporting position, and said hard copy imaging andtransparency-supporting stations being one and the same station, saidtransparency-supporting means being adjacent to the surface of saidplatform which supports said hard copy when the platform is in a hardcopy supporting position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6 or 10 whereinsaid transparency-supporting means is a horizontal transparent platethrough which said light field is directed upwardly through atransparency placed upon said plate into said projection system, andsaid hard copy-supporting platform is a horizontal platform upon whichhard copy is placed so that light reflected down upon said hard copy isreflected up into said projection system.
 12. In an apparatus forproducing microform records including an image-receiving and projectionmeans for receiving light images and for providing a micro-image thereofdirected upon said film means, the improvement comprising atransparency-supporting station including transparency-supporting meansand means for directing through a transparency on said supporting meansand into said projection means a light field which projects the image onsaid transparency upon said film means, said light field directing meansbeing a cathode ray tube, and means for energizing said cathode ray tubeto provide a light field on the screen thereof which is projectedthrough said transparency-supporting means into said image-receiving andprojection means.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said energizingmeans produces a uniform light field on the screen of said cathode raytube.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13 wherein there is provided atsaid transparency supporting station an image-producing transparencyforming an image overlay superimposed on the light field projected fromsaid cathode ray tube screen onto said film means by saidimage-receiving and projection means.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 or13 wherein said transparency-supporting means is a horizontaltransparent plate through which said light field is directed upwardlythrough a transparency placed upon said plate.
 16. In an apparatus forproducing microform records said apparatus including an image-receivingand projecting means for receiving light-defined images and forproviding a micro-image thereof directed upon film means, theimprovement comprising a transparent transparency support means facingsaid image-receiving means and provided for placement of a transparencythereon, an image-containing transparency on said support means, andlight field producing means on the opposite side of said support meansfacing said image-receiving means for selectively projecting throughsaid transparency support means and the transparency thereon and intosaid image-receiving means a uniform light field where the image on thetransparency is to be the only image to be recorded on said film meansor an image-containing light field where the image of saidimage-containing light field is to be superimposed upon the image ofsaid transparency.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said energizingmeans selectively provides a uniform or an image-containing light fieldon the screen of said cathode ray tube.